Create a family token program
A family token program can refine family rules, use points to help children learn to follow rules and instructions, use demerits to change bad behavior, and create a system within the family.
(1) Goal: To establish a rigorous system of reinforcement to motivate children with behavior problems to follow rules and instructions, and to increase good behavior with rewards. A family card program can be used for children 4-6 years old, and a family point program can be used for children 7 years old and older.
(2) Methods.
Method 1: Family Card Program
Find a deck of playing cards to use as cards (you can also make your own cards or pentagrams, little red flowers, etc.) and sit down and have a pleasant discussion with your child about ways to reward and punish him, telling him that he is now going to implement a new program that will reward him accordingly for good behavior. Find something to store the cards in, such as a shoe box, coffee can, etc., and decorate it with some fun patterns.
Now develop a rewards program. The rewards include not only everyday rewards that are enjoyed every day, such as watching TV, playing video games, playing with toys, riding bikes, and going to the little one’s house, but also special rewards (special treats), such as going to the movies on weekends, roller skating, and buying toys.
Next, make a list of tasks you want your child to participate in: such as setting the table before meals, clearing the table after meals, making the bedroom, making the bed, taking out the trash, and some other chores. You can also make a list of things that often cause conflict with parents for children with ADHD, such as getting dressed, washing face, brushing teeth, going to school, doing homework, getting ready for bed, taking a bath, etc.
The next step is to determine the number of cards for each task. For 4 – 6 year olds, 1 – 3 cards can be earned for completing an easy task and 5 cards for completing a more difficult task, with the more difficult the task, the more cards are earned accordingly.
Next, calculate the number of cards your child can earn in a representative day when he or she completes most of the tasks assigned by the parents. It is recommended that 2/3 of the number of cards be used for daily rewards and the remaining 1/3 can be accumulated for special treats. If a child earns 30 cards a day, 20 can be used for daily rewards and 10 can be accumulated. Don’t worry too much about the exact number, it just fits.
Next, develop the number of cards for special treats (such as going rollerblading on Sunday) by multiplying the number of cards accumulated each day with the number of days you expect to receive a special reward, e.g., if the child accumulates 10 cards per day, then this activity will pay 10 X 7 = 70 cards. Follow this method to determine the number of cards to be paid for each activity.
Let the child know that he has a chance to win additional cards if he completes the task with a good attitude, and say to the child that you really like his positive attitude. But it is best not to add points for all behaviors in this way. Tell your child that he will only get a card for tasks completed after the first instruction is given, and that he will not get a card for getting what he needs to do done after repeated requests. Do not take back a child’s card this week for bad behavior. The child has the card, so he has the right to exercise it. Sometimes the child will ask to exercise his power at inappropriate times, such as asking to watch TV at bedtime, and the parents can make arrangements for this situation.
Method 2: Family Point Program
The family points program is suitable for older children. In addition to using points instead of playing cards and using points based on the value of each task, the program is the same as the card program, with values ranging from I-5 points for everyday things and up to 200 points for more complex activities.
Make several copies of the blank task and reward sheet and each day record the tasks completed by the child in the project, the points earned in the score column, and then calculate the income; record the rewards enjoyed each day in the reward project, the points spent in the expense column, and then calculate the expenses. When a child received a special treat in exchange for points, the content was recorded in the Reward column, the points were recorded in the Expense column, and then the corresponding points were subtracted from the total expenses. Make it a rule that only the parents can fill out the record, and that the child can review it at any time, but cannot change it without permission.
(3) Notes
1. The tasks and rewards should be redefined at intervals, and discussed with the child to eliminate some contents that can already be done and add some behaviors that the child is expected to change, and the rewards should be updated.
2.Do not give your child cards or points until he or she has completed the assigned task. No matter how much your child emphasizes objectivity and cries and plays games, insist on not giving them. Do not delay when the child completes the task either, and should be rewarded for his good behavior as soon as possible.
3.When the child gets a card or points for good behavior, parents should promptly tell him that the parents are satisfied with his behavior.
4. Consolidate the family token program: After achieving good results, if the program is terminated too early, the child’s compliance often does not last, so the program should be applied consistently for about two months or even longer. If the child is able to complete most of the tasks, enjoys the program, and the parents can easily give cards or scores to the child for good behavior, they are ready to move on to the next step, which, in the parents’ experience, usually takes more than 2 weeks.